Obtaining coaching instruction from nationally certified coaches is essential for the development as a coach as well as your players. Completing the licensed courses offered by the Mass Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) is the foundation of good coaching techniques. These courses will teach you how to efficiently use time and energy in the development of your players and your team. From a player development viewpoint, completion of the courses offered through MYSA will provide a richer, more consistent experience for both players and coaches. The end result will be a better developed team and more rewarding experience for players, parents, and coaches.
MYSA offers courses (
website) that build the foundations for coaching PreK and Kindergarten players up through the high school teams. The courses build upon each other and start with "F" course and finish with the "D" course.
MYSA Course Descriptions
F course
The course is intended for those who coach or who intend to coach ages 5-8. The F License Course is a 2 HOUR course that can be completed entirely online. "The focus of this grassroots course is to share U.S. Soccer’s best practices in creating a fun, activity-centered and age-appropriate environment."
E course
The “E” covers the elementary principles of coaching and is designed to assist experienced coaches of ages 9-12. During the course, each participant will have the opportunity to lead a short coaching session, with constructive feedback from the instructor. There is a six (6) month waiting period between the F License Course and entering the E License Course. The E License Course is a 18 HOUR course that involves online pre-coursework, classroom and field work.
D course
This course is a rigorous course for experienced coaches of ages 13& up, including high school teams. Three or four years experience coaching older players is recommended and a six (6) month waiting period between the E License Course and entering the D License Course is required. Note: This course is 36-40 hours and requires successful completion of both performance and written exams.